Best Places to Celebrate New Year 2024

New Year 2024 in Europe: Luxury & Family Fun

If you’ve been craving that snowy and wintery new year, what could be better than Europe? Christmas onwards, most European countries start decking up for the New Year festivities and its truly an experience! Take a look at our top picks:

Rome, Italy

Head to the Eternal City for the ultimate and most dreamy New Year's Eve. Better yet, reach by Christmas so that you can see their churches and cathedrals in full glory. With plenty of holiday markets, you won't regret a Roman New Year Celebration! Other than regular sightseeing, New Year in Rome is a beautiful experience with locals and tourists uniting on the streets waiting for the New Year.

1. Highlights:

   Attend the fireworks at Circus Maximus, party all night at Palazzo Brancaccio, participate in the Piazaa del Popolo New Year Parade.

2. Estimated Budget:

   Tourism packages starting Rs. 1,64,415/person* for a week

3. How to Reach:

   8-hour direct flight from India. You will need international travel insurance for Italy before getting the Schengen visa approved.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the best and most jubilant New Year celebrations in the world. If you're thinking Europe, be ready for a massive torch night procession, outdoor street parties, fireworks and the early morning Loony Dook (jumping into cold river/ponds on 1st January mornings) after the party.

1. Highlights:

   Attend New Year cèilidhs, watch the fireworks above the Edinburgh Castle, attend folk concerts and have some of the finest Scotch!

2. Estimated Budget:

   Tourism packages starting Rs. 1,88,616/person* for a week

3. How to Reach:

   15-hour direct flight from India (Delhi)

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague celebrates the New Year Eve grandly amidst huge fireworks, snowfall, stunning Christmas markets. Official fireworks start at 6 PM on January 1st. However, apart from almost riotous celebration, you can find peaceful options including the cruise along the Vltava River.

1. Highlights:

   Go for a relaxing Opera or classical music concert, romantic New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruises or party in a club, attend official fireworks on New Year Day.

2. Estimated Budget:

   Tourism packages starting Rs.1,92,980/person for a week

3. How to Reach:

   12-hour direct flight from India (Delhi)

Have an Adventurous New Year 2024: Beaches, Adventure Sports & More!

If you’ve decided to get some adrenaline rush along with the New Year festivities, these countries offer a lot of options:

Dubai

For those looking for a luxurious getaway with no shortage of shopping and party scenes, Dubai dominates over many other places when it comes to a cosmopolitan experience. Be it viewing the city from the world's tallest building or a lazy beach vacation, the New Year in Dubai is truly an experience!

1. Highlights:

   Don’t forget to visit Burj Khalifa and catch their magnificent fireworks, visit the bustling Dubai Miracle Garden, celebrate and party at Global Village, sign up for a luxury dinner cruise, go for a Desedrt Safari, take a helicopter ride, fireworks and performance at the Madinat Jumeirah

2. Estimated Budget:

   Tourism packages starting Rs. 62,709/person* for a week

3. How to Reach:

   3-hour direct flight from India (Delhi). Indians can visit Dubai for a maximum duration of 14 days on a prearranged visa.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

If you want to be away from the grand fireworks and hustle of usual New Year celebrations, head to Siem Reap- the gateway to Angkor. This place is perfect for a lively but not-so-wild New Year Eve experience. It is also very budget-friendly and popular among solo travellers, backpackers and friends travelling together. The town has amazing hotels, ranging from humble hostels to luxury hotels. Known for its bustling night-life, you can participate in local celebrations and live music all night.

1. Highlights:

   Walk through the 'Old Market' or the Psar Chaa for spectacular food and party scenes, attend the Angkor Sankranta Festival, play traditional game with locals, visit the Angkor Wat if you're looking for a quiet time.

2. Estimated Budget:

   Tourism packages starting Rs. 68,680/person* for a week

3. How to Reach:

   7-hour direct flight from India (Delhi). Cambodia offers visa-on-arrival to Indian tourists.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Also called Ano Nove or Revilion by locals, New Year is one of the best times to visit the largest South American country. Promising sunshine, festivities and a lot of scope for sports, you are sure to have a festive and adventurous New Year here. The country is lined with golden beaches and plenty of water sports and adrenaline-pumping activities.

1. Highlights:

   Head to Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Cristo Redentor for fireworks and midnight parties, attend the Carnaval that starts shortly after the New Year, head to Garopaba if you want some quiet but stunning New Year sunrise, head to Copacabana beach for some local samba and frevo.

2. Estimated Budget:

   Tourism packages starting Rs.3,63,680/person* for a week

3. How to Reach:

   Approximately 21-hour direct flight from India (Delhi). A yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required when Indians re-enter India.

New Year Vacation in Budget: Join for New Year 2024 Celebration

Not all of us can go on a month long vacation or spend lakhs of rupees on trips, which is perfectly okay! Luckily, there are plenty of places under budget where you can ring in the new year. Take a look at some options below:

Bangkok, Thailand

One of the largest and most famous islands of Thailand, Bangkok can be a perfect place to welcome the new year if you’re on a budget, without compromising on that New Year fun and festivities!

1. Highlights:

   Attend Bangkok countdown parties at Central World Plaza in Siam or Khao San Road. Go to the Royal Field or the Sanam Luang for a relaxing New Year's Eve in Bangkok's historic centre. Head to the highest alfresco restaurant in the world, Sirocco. You can also go for an elegant dinner cruise with brilliant riverside view of Bangkok's skyline.

2. Estimated Budget:

   Tourism packages starting Rs. 42,729/person* for a week

3. How to Reach:

   Approximately 4-hour direct flight from India (Delhi)

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa's stellar port city offers a perfect New Year Vacation to travellers of all kinds. Nature lovers, beach-goers, foodies and shoppers- all can find a lot of interesting things to make their year-end memorable. What’s more, you can always head out to the spectacular Boulders Beach and meet some penguins!

1. Highlights:

   Visit the Waterfront to get a bird-eye view of the city decor, you can also opt for a picnic in the gondola. You can also go on a midnight cruise and sail into 2024. If you prefer something quiter, opt for a New Year music picnic at select resorts.

2. Estimated Budget:

   Tourism packages starting Rs. 74,260/person* for a week

3. How to Reach:

   Over 22-hour flight from India (Delhi), flight time can be more depending on the stops.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Vietnam is quickly transforming into a favourite budget destination packed with amazing experiences. Delicious food, bustling night life, spiritual experience- you name it. For New year 2024, you can visit Ba Na Hills on a cable car, or head to popular Pagodas, or visit the New Year flower market in Ben Binh Dong. Catch live music at various rooftop bars, or you can also head to nearby towns for a more intimate setting and experience away from the hustle.

1. Highlights:

   Attend the 2024 New Year countdown in the Nguyen Hue pedestrian zone and Le Duan Boulevard, followed by fireworks at the Saigon River Tunnel.

2. Estimated Budget:

   Tourism packages starting Rs. 34,716/person* for a week

3. How to Reach:

   Around 3-hour direct flight from India (Delhi).

   *Approximate rates only. The price is subject to change, please refer to the latest costs depending on your travel dates

Wrapping it up,

The season of cheer is near and the past few years have taught us to never take anything for granted. Don’t forget to follow the latest travel advisories take necessary safeguards for your trip. Finally, make sure to buy the right international travel insurance policy as soon as your New Year 2024 plans are sorted!